Hayatu-Deen Laments Escalating Insecurity After Retired Gen. Rabe Abubakar’s Death in CaptivityFormer African Democratic Congress, ADC, presidential aspirant, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s worsening security crisis following the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar in the custody of his abductors.Gen. Abubakar, a distinguished officer who served Nigeria with honour for decades, was abducted alongside his wife in Katsina State. His death comes amid a rising wave of violence nationwide.In a statement on Monday, Hayatu-Deen noted that 27 days after schoolchildren and teachers were abducted from Oriire, Oyo State, they remain in captivity.He also cited recent attacks: bandits killing a vice principal, a 6-year-old child, and another resident during WAEC exams in Kogi State; terrorists attacking Kautikari village near Chibok, Borno State; the earlier abduction of over 40 students in Askira-Uba; and the killing of an officer and six soldiers in Kaduna State.While mourning Gen. Abubakar, fallen soldiers, and all victims of terrorism and banditry, he stressed that condolences alone are no longer enough.Hayatu-Deen pointed to Nigeria’s ranking as 4th on the Global Terrorism Index and a reported 46% rise in terrorism-related deaths as proof of the escalating threat.“This is not a partisan statement. I have no interest in scoring political points off the graves of our soldiers or the suffering of our children. I speak as a concerned private citizen,” he said.He linked the security crisis to economic hardship, saying poverty, unemployment, and rising living costs have created fertile ground for criminal recruitment.He urged federal and state governments to prioritize social welfare, support struggling businesses, provide targeted aid to farmers affected by insecurity, and strengthen safety nets for vulnerable families and communities.Hayatu-Deen welcomed the House of Representatives’ passage of the constitutional amendment for state police and urged the Senate to expedite its consideration.While noting state police is not a cure-all, he called it a critical step toward strengthening local security, provided safeguards are put in place against abuse, corruption, and political interference.He also advocated stronger community policing, better intelligence gathering, revitalization of the Multinational Joint Task Force, and closer security cooperation with neighbouring countries to tackle cross-border terrorism.In addition, he called for greater support for the military through aggressive recruitment, improved welfare and remuneration, better care for families of fallen personnel, modern equipment, training, and stronger partnerships with international allies.He commended the armed forces for rescuing 360 women and children from a terrorist camp in Borno State, but warned that much more must be done to prevent Nigeria’s slide into lawlessness.Hayatu-Deen concluded by urging Nigerians and all levels of government to adopt a “whole-of-society” approach to tackling insecurity and poverty, stressing that national unity and collective action are essential to restoring peace and stability.